The Ultimate Guide to Kenai Fjords National Park (Best Things to Do + Travel Tips)
Kenai Fjords National Park is one of the most jaw-dropping places in Alaska, and possibly the most unique national park in the entire United States. This is a land where massive glaciers spill into the ocean, humpback whales breach beside towering cliffs, and stunning views are endless in every direction.
Out of the eight national parks in Alaska, Kenai Fjords National Park truly has it all. Here, you can cruise through icy fjords, hike to the edge of a glacier, or kayak past floating icebergs.
This guide covers everything you need to know before visiting Kenai Fjords National Park, including the best time to go, how to get there, must-do experiences, where to stay, and practical tips to help you plan the perfect trip.
A view of Exit Glacier from the Harding Icefield Trail
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General Travel Tips for Alaska
Alaska is a very unique destination and it can be a bit difficult to plan just general travel through the state. When visiting, keep the following things in mind:
1. Travel Takes Time
Alaska looks manageable on a map… until you’re actually there.
Towns and national parks are far apart
A “short drive” can mean 4–8 hours
Some places are only reachable by boat, plane, or train
Plan fewer stops, stay longer in each place, and don’t try to cram too much into one trip. Alaska rewards slow travel.
2. Weather Changes Fast - Even in Summer
Summer is peak season, but don’t expect constant sunshine.
Rain, wind, and cold temps can happen any month
Coastal areas (like Seward & Kenai Fjords) are especially unpredictable
Sunny mornings can turn stormy by afternoon
Rule of thumb: Pack layers and waterproof gear no matter when you go.
3. Wildlife Is Real (and Everywhere)
This isn’t a zoo, animals have the right of way!
Moose wander into towns and onto highways, especially at night
Bears are common near trails and rivers
Know wildlife safety basics, keep your distance, and never approach animals for photos. That “once-in-a-lifetime shot” isn’t worth it. Always carry bear spray.
4. Summer Has Endless Daylight
From late May through July, you’ll experience the Midnight Sun.
18-24 hours of daylight depending on location
Amazing for hiking, sightseeing, and photography
Bring an eye mask or blackout curtains for sleeping!
5. Alaska Is Expensive but Worth It
Alaska isn’t a budget destination.
Gas, food, lodging, and tours cost more
Boat tours, flights, and guided trips add up quickly
Prioritize what you want to see and splurge on bucket list tours! Save money by stocking up on food at grocery stores or traveling in a van/RV to cut down on hotel costs.
6. The Travel Season is SHORT
Alaska is very seasonal - most towns shut down once the weather starts to turn in September/October and will not come to life again until May.
June-August are the best months to visit for hiking, wildlife tours, and exploring towns.
Winter months are best for seeing the northern lights
What is the best time to visit Kenai Fjords?
June-August! This is when the weather is most ideal, tours are available for booking, and shops and restaurants are open.
We visited mid-August and had good weather for the most part.
Where Is Kenai Fjords National Park?
Kenai Fjords National Park is located along Alaska’s southern coast, just outside the small harbor town of Seward. Seward is the main gateway to the park and where most visitors base themselves.
How to Get There
From Anchorage:
Drive ~2.5 hours via the scenic Seward Highway
Take the Alaska Railroad (seasonal, highly recommended)
By Air or Sea:
Small planes and water taxis reach remote fjords
Cruise ships frequently stop in Seward
We highly recommend driving to Seward! This way you will be able to pull off along the way and see mountain views, pristine lakes and rivers, and possibly wildlife.
Roadside views driving from Anchorage to Seward
What Makes Kenai Fjords National Park Special?
Kenai Fjords is a rare national park where most of the park is only accessible by water. Over 40 glaciers flow from the massive Harding Icefield, carving deep fjords that open into the Gulf of Alaska.
What truly sets this park apart is the blend of land and sea ecosystems:
Tidewater glaciers actively calving into the ocean
One of the best whale-watching areas in Alaska
Dense marine life supported by nutrient-rich waters
Towering mountains offering a home to puffins, mountain goats, and more
This place is truly rugged, raw, and feels genuinely wild. That being said, there isn’t a ton to do in the national park. With only two hiking trails and one road, you really have to take to the water to explore this park.
How many days do I need to explore the park?
Two days is perfect - one day to explore the park by foot and one day to explore the park by boat.
Consider adding another day or two if you want to spend more time in Seward or go on other guided adventures.
Top Things to Do in Kenai Fjords National Park
1. Take a Fjords & Glacier Boat Tour
This is the #1 must-do experience in Kenai Fjords!
Boat tours depart from Seward and take you deep into the fjords, passing:
Tidewater glaciers like Aialik Glacier
Sea lions, puffins, and seabirds
Humpback whales, orcas, and sea otters
**Whale watching is best in June and July!
We went out with Major Marine Tours and did the 6-hour tour. This felt like the perfect amount of time to be on the water and see the highlights of Kenai Fjords National Park.
**Boat tours can be ROUGH and sea sickness happens often. Make sure to pack medications or other things to help remedy this.
Spot the sea otter floating among the ice :)
2. Visit Exit Glacier
Exit Glacier is the only part of the park accessible by road, making it incredibly popular.
You can:
Walk short, easy trails to glacier viewpoints
See markers showing how dramatically the glacier has retreated
Learn about climate change at the Exit Glacier Nature Center
3. Hike the Harding Icefield Trail
This is one of the most epic day hikes in Alaska. This trailhead is shared with Exit Glacier so you can hike that short trail after this one if you would like.
Distance: ~9 miles round trip
Elevation Gain: ~3,500 feet
Difficulty: Strenuous
The reward? Jaw-dropping views of the Harding Icefield, a frozen expanse stretching as far as the eye can see and the LARGEST icefield located entirely in North America.
**Only attempt this hike in good weather, pack bear spray, and give yourself plenty of time.
4. Kayak Among Glaciers & Fjords
Kayaking offers a quieter, more immersive way to experience the park. Paddle past icebergs, seals lounging on ice floes, and towering cliffs dripping with waterfalls.
Most often, these guided trips are multi-day backcountry adventures and can be pricy. The best tours can be found on Kayakak.
Resurrection Bay in Kenai Fjords National Park
Where to Stay Near Kenai Fjords
Seward, Alaska (Best Option)
Seward is charming, walkable, and packed with:
Hotels & lodges
Luxury: Harbor 360 Hotel and Resurrection Lodge on the Bay
Mid-Range: Harborview Inn
Budget: Rustic Roots Cabins
Cozy B&Bs
Campgrounds
Exit Glacier Campground (tent only)
Restaurants and breweries
You’ll also be steps away from tour operators and the harbor.
Where should I eat in Seward?
There are a lot of great restaurants in Seward! Our favorites were The Cookery, Flamingo Lounge (pictured), and Seward Brewing Company.
What to Pack for Kenai Fjords National Park
Microspikes (if you are planning to hike Harding Icefield)
Hat & gloves (even in summer)
Motion sickness meds (for boat tours)
Alaska weather changes fast—be prepared for everything.
Suggested 48-Hour Itinerary:
Day 1:
Take a half or full day boat tour through the park
Dinner in Seward
Day 2:
Hike the Harding Icefield Trail (pictured)
If you are unable to do this hike, hike the Exit Glacier Trail
National Park Entrance Fees
In 2026 - there are new rules for visiting national parks - it is important to note the following:
You must pay a daily entrance fee for a single park or use broader passes.
The most common pass is the America the Beautiful – National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass, which covers entrance or day‑use fees at 2,000+ federal recreation sites (including national parks, monuments, forests, wildlife refuges, BLM lands, etc.). These can be purchased online or at the park entrances.
2026 updates: Starting January 1, 2026, America the Beautiful passes cost $80 for U.S. residents, but non‑U.S. residents pay $250 for an annual pass, and nonresidents without a pass will pay an additional $100 per person surcharge at 11 major parks in addition to regular fees.
Seward, Alaska: Other Things to do
Visit the Alaska SeaLife Center – A top attraction in Seward featuring marine exhibits, seabird habitats, and an ocean-front setting that’s both educational and fun.
Stroll the Seward Waterfront & Harbor – Walk along Resurrection Bay, watch fishing boats come in, spot sea otters, and enjoy some of the best views in town.
Ride the Mount Marathon Trail (or Watch the Race) – Even if you don’t hike it, Mount Marathon looms over Seward and is famous for hosting one of the toughest foot races in the world every July.
Explore Downtown Seward Shops & Cafés – Browse local art galleries, gift shops, coffee spots, and restaurants—perfect for a relaxed afternoon between tours.
Go Fishing in Resurrection Bay – Book a half-day or full-day charter for halibut or salmon fishing, a classic Alaska experience.
Visit Lowell Point Beach – A peaceful coastal spot just outside town with scenic views, beach walks, and picnic areas.
Views of the Harding Icefield
Final Thoughts: Is Kenai Fjords National Park Worth Visiting?
Absolutely! If we don’t have you convinced by now, we are doing something wrong :)
Kenai Fjords National Park is one of the most spectacular places in Alaska. The combination of glaciers, wildlife, ocean scenery, and raw wilderness makes it unlike any other national park in the U.S.
If Alaska is on your bucket list, this park deserves a top spot on your travel itinerary!
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